Method and apparatus for balanced automatic transport of cigarette trays or the like along an endless path

ABSTRACT

An endless conveyor has equidistant carriers which are transported past several cigarette making machines and past several cigarette packing machines. Each machine is associated with an automatic transfer unit which is activatable to transport cages with trays for cigarettes between the adjacent carrier and the respective machine so that the output of the cigarette making machines is transported to the cigarette packing machines and the cages with empty trays are returned to the cigarette making machines. A computer responds to signals from transfer units which are in need of cages with filled or empty trays and scans the conveyor for concentrations of unoccupied carriers, carriers transporting cages with filled trays, and carriers supporting cages with empty trays in order to activate the transfer unit in a manner to avoid excessive concentrations and excessive scarcity of unoccupied carriers or carriers transporting cages with filled and empty trays in various portions of the conveyor.

United States Patent [191 Bornfleth et al.

Inventors: Ulrich Bornfleth; Fritz Selonke, both of Hamburg; JurgenKoehn, Hamburg-Kirchwerder; Frank-Dieter Lehmann, Wentorf, all ofGermany Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG, Hamburg, Bergedorf, Germany Filed:June 21, 1971 App]. No.: 154,958

Assignee:

Foreign Application Priority Data June 20, 1970 Germany ..P 20 30 515.]

US. Cl ..198/20 R, 131/25, 198/38 Int. Cl ..B65g 47/00, A24c 1/10 Fieldof Search ..198/37, 19, 20, 38,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1965 Gorjanc ..198/38 Apr. 10,1973 Primary Examiner-Richard E. Aegerter Attorney-Micahel S. Striker [57 ABSTRACT An endless conveyor has equidistant carriers which aretransported past several cigarette making 4 machines and past severalcigarette packing machines.

Each machine is associated with an automatic transfer unit which isactivatable to transport cages with trays for cigarettes between theadjacent carrier and the respective machine so that the output of thecigarette making machines is transported to the cigarette packingmachines and the cages with empty trays are returned to the cigarettemaking machines. A computer responds to signals from transfer unitswhich are in need of cages with filled or empty trays and scans theconveyor for concentrations of unoccupied carriers, carrierstransporting cages with filled trays, and carriers supporting cages withempty trays in order to activate the transfer unit in a manner to avoidexcessive concentrations and excessive scarcity of unoccupied carriersor carriers transporting cages with filled and empty trays in variousportions of the conveyor.

17 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] APR 1 01975 SHEET 1 [IF 8 Nwm 5 0PATENTED APR 1 0 9 3 SHEET 2 OF 8 PATENTEDAPRIOIQYS 3 725,3 3

SHEET 8 [1F 8 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BALANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSPORT OFCIGARETTE TRAYS OR THE LIKE ALONG AN ENDLESS PATH BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus forautomatic transport of commodities along an endless path. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to improvements in a method andapparatus for the transport of stacked cigarettes or other rod-shapedsmokers products by means of a conveyor which transports suchcommodities along an endless path extend ing along one or more producingmachines and alon one or more consuming machines.

It is already known to employ in a cigarette manufacturing plant anendless conveyor, preferably an overhead conveyor, which is providedwith equidistant carriers for containers in the form of s'o-calledchargers or trays serving to store predetermined numbers of cigarettesfor transport to one or more consuming machines. The conveyor transportsits carriers past one or more producing machines (such as cigarette rodmaking machines for the production of plain cigarettes or filtercigarette machines for the production of filtertipped cigarettes) andpast one or more consuming machines (such as packing machines whereinarrays containing predetermined numbers of cigarettes are introducedinto packs consisting of one or more envelopes). Each producing machineis provided or associated with a transfer unit which removes fromcarriers empty trays for transport to the respective producing machineso that the empty trays can be filled with cigarettes; such transferunit normally further serves to transfer filled trays from therespective producing machine to an oncoming empty or unoccupied carrier.Analogously, each consuming machine is associated or provided with atransfer unit which serves to remove one or more filled trays from theconveyor for transfer of their contents of the respective consumingmachine, and the same transfer unit preferably serves to return emptytrays from the associated consuming machine to the conveyor. Theoperation of modern cigarette making machines is fully automatic, andeach such machine is preferably directly coupled with a tray loadingmachine which introduces cigarettes into empty trays at the rate atwhich the cigarettes issue from the machine. The conveyor normallycirculates a requisite number of empty and filled trays so that an emptytray or a group of trays can be introduced into a producing machinewherever the latter is in need of empty trays and that a filled tray ora group of filled trays can be introduced into a packing or otherconsuming machine whenever necessary. The aforementioned transfer unitsare normally designed to operate in a fully automatic way, i.e., theycan remove an empty or filled tray (or a group of empty or filled trays)for introduction into the respective machine, and they can deliverfilled or empty trays (or groups of filled or empty trays) from therespective machine to the conveyor.

The number of empty and filled trays which are circulated by theconveyor remains substantially constant or varies within a rather narrowrange if the length of the interval which is required by the conveyor totransport an empty or filled tray along the entire endless path equalsor approximates the length of that interval which is required by aproducing machine to turn out a requisite number of articles for thecontents of a tray. This ideal situation is very infrequent because ithappens again and again that the operating speed of one or moreconsuming or producing machines must be changed or that one or moreconsuming or producing machines must be arrested due to malfunctioning,due to a pileup of articles therein, for the purposes of inspection,and/or for other reasons. Each such deviation from normal operation of aproducing or consuming machine causes a change in the ratio of filledtrays to empty trays on the conveyor and, furthermore, such deviationsfrom normal operation of one or more consuming or producing machine alsocause unsatisfactory or unbalanced distribution of filled and emptytrays on the conveyor. For example, one or more stretches of theconveyor may carry a succession of filled trays and the remainingstretches may carry a succession of empty trays. When the conveyorcomprises equidistant carriers for empty or filled trays (or for groupsof two or more filled or empty trays), a reduction in the speed or acomplete stoppage of one or more consuming and/or producing machines canbring about a situation where a series of unoccupied carriers (withoutfilled or empty trays) is followed by a succession of carrierssupporting filled trays, by a succession of carriers supporting emptytrays and/or by a succession of unoccupied carriers which alternate withcarriers supporting filled and/or empty trays. This means that aconsuming machine which is in need of filled trays might receive filledtrays with a delay which necessitates a slowdown or a complete stoppageof the respective consuming machine, and that a producing machine islikely to receive empty trays with a similar delay, i.e., with a delaywhich necessitates a temporary slowdown or a complete stoppage of theproducing machines. Any slowdown, and particularly a complete stoppageof a consuming or producing machine, is highly undesirable because thearticles which are being produced or processed during a slowdown orimmediately prior or immediately after a complete stoppage are likely tobe defective and must be discarded.

It can also happen that a transfer unit with one or more empty or filledtrays which are ready to be transferred onto or otherwise secured to acarrier is unable to find an empty carrier and this, too, is likely tonecessitate a slowdown or a complete stoppage of the respectiveconsuming or producing machine. The same situation is likely to ariseeven if each consuming machine and/or each producing machine comprisesan auxiliary magazine for temporary storage of a certain of filled orlempty trays. Such auxiliary magazines cannot accommodate large numbersof trays, especially in a production line which comprises an entirebattery of consuming machines and .an entire battery of producingmachines, because the total space occupied by auxiliary magazines wouldcontribute excessively to the space requirements of the production line.It was found that the last consuming machine or machines and the lastproducing machine or machines, as considered in the direction of travelof the conveyor, must be operated at a reduced speed or must bebrought-to a full stop when the distribution of unoccupied carriers,carriers supporting empty trays and carriers supporting filled traysdeviates from an ideal or substantially balanced distribution.

The problem is further aggravated if the conveyor transports itscarriers along producing machines which are designed to turn out two ormore different brands of articles (such as cigarettes) and alongconsuming machines each of which is designed to process a certain brandof articles. In such production lines, certain carriers must beunoccupied, certain carriers must support empty trays, certain carriersmust support trays which contain a first brand of articles, and certaincarriers must support trays which contain one or more additional brandsof articles. Therefore, the likelihood of unbalanced distribution ofvarious types of carriers is even more pronounced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ficiently balanced or uniform to preventundesirable slowdown or complete stoppage of one or more machines.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improvedmethod of transporting containers for stacks of cigarettes or likerod-shaped smokers" products between batteries of producing andconsuming machines in such a way that each producing machine is assuredof timely reception of empty containers and that each consuming machineis assured of timely reception of filled containers.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method of the justoutlined character according to which the removal of filled containersfrom the conveyor, the delivery of filled containers to the conveyor,the removal of empty containers from the conveyor and the delivery ofempty containers to the conveyor take place in response to automaticmonitoring of the conveyor for eventual undue concentrations of filledand empty containers.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improvedautomatic apparatus for balanced transport of smokers products and/orother commodities between plural stations which are adjacent to theendless path defined by a conveyor and in such a way that each stationcan receive commodities or can be relieved of commodities in good timeto avoid slowdown or interruptions in the production and/or processingof commodities and that the distribution of commodities is at leastsubstantially balanced in each portion or at least in the major part ofthe endless path.

Still another object of the invention is to provide the apparatus withnovel and improved controls for transfer units which are employed todeliver commodities to the conveyor from one or more producing machinesand to remove commodities from the conveyor for delivery to one or moreconsuming machines.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the aboveoutlined character which is especially suited for the transport of oneor more brands of plain or filter-tipped cigarettes, cigars orcigarillos between batteries of producing machines and batteries ofpacking or other processing machines for such products.

tribution of commodities on the conveyor remains suf- The method of thepresent invention is resorted to for regulating the distribution ofsmokers products (such as plain or filter cigarettes, cigars orcigarillos) or other commodities which are transported by a conveyordefining an endless path extending along at least one first transferstation at which the commodities are delivered to the adjacent portionof the conveyor and along at least one second transfer station at whichthe commodities are removed from the conveyor. The method comprises thesteps of monitoring (preferably by means of an automatic computer) thedistribution of commodities in various portions of the conveyor(especially in those portions which are located upstream of the firstand second transfer stations) to detect portions containing relativelyhigh and relatively low concentrations of commodities, delivering at thefirst transfer station or stations commodities to conveyor portionswhich contain relatively low concentrations of commodities (preferablyto conveyor portions containing minimum concentrations of commodities),and removing at the second transfer station or stations commodities fromthe conveyor portions containing relatively high concentrations ofcommodities (preferably from portions containing maximum concentrationsof commodities) to thus prevent excessive concentrations and excessivescarcity of commodities in such conveyor portions.

The endless path which is defined by the conveyor preferably extendsalong several first transfer stations at which the commodities areautomatically delivered to adjacent conveyor portions, and along severalsecond transfer stations at which the commodities are automaticallyremoved from adjacent portions of the conveyor. Such delivery andremoval of commodities can take place in response to signals which aregenerated in the course of the monitoring step. The commodities may bestored in and transported with containers (e.g., in so-called chargersor trays serving for temporary storage of cigarettes or the like); thedelivering step then comprises delivering containers with commoditiestherein at the first transfer station or stations and the removing stepcomprises removing filled containers from the conveyor at the secondtransfer station or stations.

The commodities may be empty containers which are automaticallydelivered to the conveyor at the first transfer station or stations andare automatically removed from the conveyor at the second transferstation or stations. The transfer of commodities to and/or from theconveyor can be accompanied by automatic generation of signals which aretemporarily stored and/or permanently recorded for evaluation bysupervising personnel. The arrangement is preferably such that themonitoring step is started in response to signals which are produced atthe first station or stations to indicate the need for delivery ofcommodities from the first transfer station or stations to the conveyorand/or tribution of commodities upstream of the first and secondstations and producing signals which are indicative of the distributionof commodities in the scanned conveyor portions; the method may comprisethe additional step of altering the signals which are produced in thecourse of the monitoring step to account for changes in the distributionof commodities upon completed delivery and removal of commodities at thefirst and second transfer stations.

It is further desirable that the monitoring operation include the stepof producing signals which are indicative of the distribution ofcommodities in the conveyor portions upon completed delivery and uponcompleted withdrawal or removal of commodities at the first and secondstations, i.e., the method can be resorted to for advance calculation ofthe distribution ofcommodities in conveyor portions subsequent tocompleted delivery of commodities to conveyor portions at the firsttransfer station or stations and/or subsequent to removal of commoditiesfrom conveyor portions at the second transfer station or stations. Thisallows for advance planning of the distribution of commodities in orderto avoid that the delivery of commodities to a conveyor portioncontaining a relatively low concentration of commodities would result inconversion of such conveyor portion into a portion with excessiveconcentration of commodities, and vice versa.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims.

The improved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction andits mode of operation, together with additional features and advantagesthereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments with reference to theaccompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a diagrammatic plan view ofan apparatus which embodies the invention and comprises six producingmachines for smokers products and four consuming or processing machinesfor such products;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the conveyor inthe apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view as seen in the direction of arrow B shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a transfer unit which serves totransport commodities between the conveyor and a producing or consumingmachine;

FIG. 5 (composed of FIGS. 5a and 5b) is a diagram of that portion of thecomputer which controls the transfer of commodities between the conveyorand a battery of consuming machines;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a register unit in the structure of FIGS. 5a and5b; and

FIG. 7 (composed of FIGS. 7a and 7b) is a diagram of that portion of thecomputer which controls the transfer of commodities between the conveyorand a battery of producing machines.

' DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 1,there is shown an endless conveyor KFA, for example, an overheadconveyor, which is provided with carriers II (hereinafter called hooksfor short) including empty or unoccupied hooks IIL, first occupied hooksHGL which support and transport groups of empty containers known aschargers or trays and serving for temporary storage of stackedrod-shaped smokers products 8 (FIGS. 2 and 3) here shown as constitutingfilter cigarettes, and second occupied hooks I-IGV which support groupsof filled trays 9 (FIGS. 2-4). The conveyor KFA is assumed to compriseone hundred fifty preferably equidistant hooks which travel along anendless path. FIG. 1 further shows a producing assembly ZA including abattery of six composite producing machines ZEl ZE2, 2E3, 2E4, ZES, ZE6which form a row along one stretch of the conveyor KFA and respectivelycomprise cigarette rod making machines ZMl ZM2, ZM3, 2M4, ZMS, ZM6,filter cigarette making machines FAl, FA2, FA3, FA4, FA5, FA6 and trayloading machines CCl, CC2, CC3, CC4, CCS, CC6. Each of the cigarette rodmaking machines ZM1-ZM6 is of the type known as GARANT produced byHauni-Werke, Koerber & Co. K.G., of Hamburg-Bergedorf, Western Germany,and each of these machines turns out plain cigarettes of unit lengthwhich are fed to the respective filter cigarette making machine. Each ofthe filter cigarette making machines FA1-FA6 is of the type known as MAXproduced by the Hauni-Werke. These machines are designed to assemblepairs of plain cigarettes with filter plugs of double unit length toform filter cigarettes of double unit length which are thereupon severedmidway across the respective filter plugs to yield pairs of filtercigarettes 8 of unit length which are fed to the respective tray loadingmachines. Each of the tray loading machines CCl-CC6 is of the type knownas CASCADE produced by the I-Iauni-Werke; these machines are providedwith equipment which assembles layers or rows of filter cigarettes andloads such rows into empty trays to convert the empty trays into filledtrays 9. During loading, and empty or partially filled tray descendsstepwise along a loading station to receive a requisite number of rowsor layers of filter cigarettes 8. The loading machines CCl-CC6 arerespectively associated with automatically operating transfer units SZl,S22, S23, S24, SZS, 826 which serve to transfer groups of four filledtrays 9 each to oncoming unoccupied hooks HL and to thus convert thehooks I-IL into occupied hooks HGV. The transfer stations where theunits SZl-SZ6 deliver groups of four filled trays 9 each to the hooks HLof the conveyor KFA are'respectively denoted by reference charactersSAGI, SAG2, SAG3, SAG4, SAGS, SAG6. The transfer units SZl-SZ6 are ofthe type known as SL produced by the I-Iauni-Werke.

The occupied hooks HGV transport commodities in a counterclockwisedirection, as viewed in FIG. I (see the arrow PFl), and into the rangeof automatic transfer units SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 forming part of aconsuming or processing assembly PA which further includes four packingmachines PMI, PM2, PM3, PM4 and four magazine filling machines MMl, MM2,MM3, MM4. Each of the packing machines PMl-PMd is of the type known asKDW produced by the I-Iauni- Werke, and each of the magazine fillingmachines MMl-MM4 is of the type known as MAGOMAT produced by theI-Iauni-Werke. The construction of the transfer units SPl-SP4 ispreferably identical with that of the transfer units 821-826, and theyare respectively mounted at transfer stations SANl, SAN2, SAN3, SAN4.Each of the packing machines PM I-PM4 forms with the respective magazinefilling machine MMl-MM4 a composite consuming machine PEl, PE2, PE3,PE4. The purpose of the transfer units SP 1-SP4 is to remove groups offour filled trays 9 from oncoming occupied hooks HGV and to thus convertsuch hooks into unoccupied hooks HL. The filled trays 9 are fed to therespective magazine filling machines MMl-MM4 which serve to evacuate thecontents of filled trays 9 (i.e., filter cigarettes 8) into themagazines (not specifically shown) of the respective packing machinesPMl-PM4. The packing machines PM l-PM4 are assumed to form packseachcontaining, for example, filter cigarettes 8 in the customary formation,namely, two outer layers of seven cigarettes each and a median layerhaving six cigarettes which are staggered with reference to thecigarettes of the outer layers. Each pack may comprise a single envelopeor two or more envelopes, for example, an inner envelope of tinfoil andan outer envelope of paper, cardboard or synthetic plastic material. Theoutput of the packing machines PM 1-PM4 can be fed to one or moreadditional packing machines (not shown) which provide the packs withenvelopes consisting of transparent synthetic plastic material andpreferably embodying customary'tear strips.

The transfer units SP1-SP4 preferably perform the dual function oftransferring filled trays 9 to the respective magazine filling machinesMMl-MM4 and of transferring groups of four empty trays from therespective magazine filling machines to the conveyor KFA to therebyconvert oncoming unoccupied hooks.

HL into occupied hooks HGl which differ from the occupied hooks HGV inthat they carry groups of empty trays. The hooks HGL transport groups ofempty trays in the direction indicated by the arrow PF2, namely, towardthe producing assembly 2A. The transfer units S21-SZ6 in the producingassembly 2A also perform the dual function of delivering filled trays 9into the range of oncoming unoccupied hooks HL and'of accepting groupsof empty trays from occupied hooks HGL for transfer to the respectivetray loading machines CCl-CC6. The transfer units S2l-S26 remove groupsof empty trays from the occupiedhooks HFL in the event that such emptytrays are required by the respective loading machines CC1CC6, and thesame holds true for the transfer units SP1-SP4 which remove groups offilled trays 9 from the occupied hooks HGV when such filled trays areneeded in the associated magazine filling machines MMl-MM4. It will beseen that, at each of the transfer stations SAGl-SAG6, filled trays 9are transferred in a direction toward the oncoming unoccupied hooks HLof the conveyor KFA and empty trays are transferred to the oppositedirection (toward the respective loading machine 2M l-ZM6). Also, ateach of the transfer stations SAN1-SAN4, filled trays 9 are transferredfrom occupied hooks l-lGV to the respective filling machines MMl-MM4 andempty trays are transferred from the filling machines MM1-MM4 tounoccupied hooks HL of the conveyor KFA.

The hooks of the conveyor KFA are provided with identifying elements 11which cooperate with control elements K21, K22, K23, K24, K25, K26 ofcontrol units U21, U22, U23, U24, U25, U26 of the transfer units 821-826at the respective stations SAGl-SAG6. The control elements KZl-K26 canbe activated or rendered operative by way of signals transmitted byconductor means L21, L22, L23, L24, L25, L26 connected to activatingdevices A21, A22, A23, A24, A25, A26 which are controlled by a computerRA. Each of the activating devices AZl-A26 may constitute a logicalcircuit of the type known as AND-gate. As shown, the. conductor meansL2l-L26 transmit signals from the computer RA to the respective AND-gates which, in turn, activate the respective control elements KZl-K26.The signals transmitted to the AND- gate All-A26 serve to insure thatthe control elements KZl-K26 can discriminate between hooks HL, HGL,l-IGV to thus guarantee that the corresponding transfer units SZl-S26will invariably remove groups of empty trays from oncoming occupiedhooks HGL and deliver groups of filled trays 9 to oncoming unoccupiedhooks HL. It will be noted that the improved apparatus is designed toinsure decentralized transfer of empty and filled trays at the transferstations SAG 1SAG6 of the producing assembly 2A.

The transfer units S21-S26 can transmit signals to the computer RA byway of conductor means B21, B22, B23, B24, B25, B26. Such signals aretraNsmitted when the supporting platforms 37 (see FIG. 4) of thetransfer units SZl-S26 are held in readiness at the transfer stationsSAGl-SAG6 for delivery of groups of filled trays 9 to oncomingunoccupied hooks HL and for subsequent reception of groups of emptytrays from oncoming occupied hooks HGL. Analogously, the transfer unitsSPl-SP4 can transmit to the computer RA signals by way of conductormeans BPl, BPZ, BP3, BP4 when their supporting platforms 37 are held inreadiness at the transfer stations SAN1-SAN4 for reception of groups offilled trays 9 from the oncoming occupied hooks HGV or for transfer ofgroups of empty trays to oncoming unoccupied hooks HL. Thus, the signalsfurnished by conductor means BZl-B26 and BP1-BP4 are indicative thatfilled trays 9 should be removed from the platform 37 of transfer unitsS21-SZ6, that the platforms 37 of transfer units S21-S26 should receivegroups of empty trays, that the platforms 37 of transfer units SP1SP4should receive groups of filled trays, or that the platforms 37 oftransfer units SPl-SP4 should be relieved of groups of empty trays.

The transfer units SZl-S26 are further connected with the computer RA byconductor means M21, M22, M23, M24, M25, M26 to transmit signals whichare indicative of completed transfer of groups of empty trays to therespective supporting platforms 37 (from oncoming occupied hooks l-lGL)or of completed transfer of groups of filled trays 9 to the oncomingunoccupied hooks HL. Analogously, the transfer units SPl-SP4 areconnected with the computer RA by way of conductor means MP1, MP2, MP3,MP4 to transmit to the computer RA signals which are indicative ofcompleted transfer of groups of filled trays 9 from the oncomingoccupied hooks HGV to the respective supporting platforms 37 or ofcompleted transfer of groups of empty trays from the respectiveplatforms 37 to oncoming unoccupied hooks HL.

The computer RA is electrically connected with an input circuit RE andwith an output circuit R6; the purpose of the circuits RE and RG will beexplained hereinafter.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate the details of the conveyor KFA, one of thetransfer units SZl-SZ6 or SPl-SP4, one of the hooks I-IL, I-IGL orI-IGV, and one of the control elements KZl-KZG or KP1-KP4.

The conveyor KFA comprises two fixed U-shaped guide rails 1a, lb whichdefine an endless channel for pairs of coaxial rollers 3a (only oneshown in FIG. 3). The rails la, 1b are secured to the ceiling in amanufacturing plant by supporting brackets 2. The shafts of the rollers3a are secured to the links of an endless chain 4 which is continuouslydriven in the direction indicated by arrow PF (same as the arrows PFl,PF2 in FIG. 1). The chain 4 further supports one hundred fiftydownwardly extending supporting arms 6 each of which supports a carrieror hook H. The hooks H are bolted, screwed or otherwise securely affixedto the respective arms 6. Each of these hooks is provided with couplingmeans for releasably supporting a receptacle or cage 7 for four emptytrays (not shown) or for four filled trays 9.

Each hook H is further provided with a lever 11 which is pivoted againstthe opposition of a spring 12 whenever the hook carries a cage 7 andirrespective of whether the cage contains four filled trays 9 or fourempty trays. Thus, the lever 11 constitutes an identifying element whoseposition is indicative of whether the respective hook I-! does or doesnot support a cage 7. Each cage 7 has a coupling shaft 13 supporting twoaxially movable identifying elements 14, 16 in the form of rolls ordisks.

Each supporting bracket 2 carries a strip-shaped holder 17 for a furtherholder 18 and the latter supports three profiled brackets 19, 21, 22which are secured thereto by screws or the like. The brackets 19, 21 and22 respectively support signal generating members here shown as electricswitches 23, 24 and 26. The switches 23, 24, 26 are respectivelyactuatable by the identifying elements 11, 14, 16 which thus constitutetrips and can cause the respective switches to transmit signals whichare to bring about the operation of the respective transfer unit SZ orSP. The actuation of the switch 23 by the lever 11 of an oncoming hook His in dicative that the respective hook carries a cage 7. The actuationof the switch 24 by the disk 14 of the cage 7 on the oncoming hook I!can indicate that the respective cage contains four empty trays, and theactuation of the switch 26 by the disk 16 of the cage 7 on the oncominghook H can indicate that the cage contains four filled trays 9. Thesignals which are produced by the switches 23, 24, 26 (or the absencesof such signals) enable the respective transfer unit SZ or SP toperform.

a desired operation by delivering a cage 7 with four filled or emptytrays to an oncoming hook III. or by removing a cage 7 with four emptyor filled trays from an oncoming hook HGL or HGV.

The construction of one of the transfer units SZ or SP is shown in FIG.4. This transfer unit is mounted at one of the transfer stationsSAGl-SAG6 or SANl-SAN4 and comprises an upright column 31 of polygonal(e.g., rectangular or square) profile supports a crank drive 32 formovement up and down toward and away from the adjacent portion of theconveyor KGA. The means for moving the crank drive 32 up and downcomprises an endless chain 34 which is driven by a reversible electricmotor 33 mounted, at the base of the column 31. The crank drive 32 has acrank arm 36 for the respective supporting platform 37 which can supporta cage 7 with or without four filled or empty trays. A transfer memberor pusher 38 serves for transfer of empty trays from the cage 7 into astation 391 for empty trays or for transfer of filled trays 9 from thecage 7 into a station 39p for filled trays 9. Each of the tray loadingmachines CCl-CC6 is provided with a station 39z and each of the magazinefilling machines MMl-MM4 is provided with a station 39p. Furthermoreeach of the tray loading machines CCl-CC6 is provided with a station 41zfor filled trays 9, and each of the magazine filling machines MM1-MM6 isprovided with a station 41p for empty trays.

If the transfer unit of FIG. 4 constitutes one of the transfer units821-826 in the producing assembly ZA, its platform 37 can be movedadjacent to the respective station 41z so that the pusher 38 canintroduce into the cage 7 on the platform 37 a group of four trays 9which were filled with filter cigarettes 8 by the respective one of thetray loading machines CC l-CC6, and the motor 33 is thereupon started tolift the crank drive 32 (and hence the platform 37 with a cage 7containing four filled trays 9) to a raised position of readinessadjacent to the path of hooks H on the conveyor KFA. The cage 7 isthereupon transferred onto an oncoming unoccupied hook HL in response toa signal which is initiated by an electric switch 42 and is transmittedby way of the respective conductor means BZl-BZ6. The switch 42 isactuated by the crank drive 32. If the transfer unit 52 is released foroperation in response to a signal from the computer RA by way of therespective one of conductor means LZ1-LZ6 to the associated activatingdevice AZl-AZ6, the control element KZ transmits a signal to the crankdrive 32 in response to detection of a selected oncoming unoccupied hookI-IL which is in a position to accept the cage 7 with four filled trays9 therein. The crank drive 32 then causes its am 36 to turn along anendless path 43 (shown in FIG. 4 by phantom lines) whereby the cage 7 istransferred onto the selected oncoming unoccupied hook HL. The platform37 then continues to dwell in a position of readiness adjacent to theconveyor KFA until after the reception of a releasing signal from thecomputer RA by way of the conductor means LZ and activating device AZ.The signal which is produced by the control element KZ then starts thecrank drive 32 which causes the platform 37 to again perform a movementalong the endless path 43 and to accept a cage 7. with four empty traystherein from an oncoming occupied hook l-IGL.

If the transfer unit of FIG. 4 is one of the transfer units SP1-SP4 inthe consuming assembly PA, its platform 37 can be moved adjacent to therespective station 41p for empty trays and the pusher 38 transfers intothe cage 7 on the platform 37 a group of four empty trays. The motor 33is started to lift the crank drive 32 by way of the chain 34 so that theplatform 37 with a cage 7 containing a group of four empty trays comesto a halt in a position of readiness adjacent to the conveyor KFA. Thecrank drive 32 actuates the switch 42 when the platform 37 assumes itsposition of readiness whereby the switch 42 transmits to the computer RAa signal (by way of the respective conductor means BP) indicating thatthe platform 37 of the transfer unit SP should be relieved of the cage 7with four empty trays therein. The transfer unit SP is released foroperation in response to transmission of a signal from the computer RAby way of the respective conductor means LP and the respectiveactivating device AP. The control element KP then starts the crank drive32 in response to detection of a selected oncoming unoccupied hook HLwhereby the drive 32 causes the platform 37 to perform a movement alongthe endless path 43 and to transfer the cage 7 with four empty traystherein onto the unoccupied hook I-IL which is then converted into anoccupied hook I-IGL because the cage 7 pivots the respective lever 11against the opposition of the associated spring 12. The carriage 37remains in its position of readiness until the corresponding activatingdevice AP receives from the computer RA a signal by way of therespective conductor means LP. The control element KP is then free tostart the crank drive 32 in response to detection of a selected occupiedhook HGV supporting a cage 7 with four filled trays 9 therein. The crankdrive 32 causes the platform 37 to perform a second movement along theendless path 43 and to accept the cage 7 with four filled trays 9 fortransport to the station 39p of the corresponding magazine fillingmachine MMl, MM2, MM3 or MM4.

When the platform 37 of the crank drive 32 in a transfer unit SZsupports a cage 7 with four empty trays therein, or when the platform 37of the crank drive 32 in a transfer unit SP supports a cage 7 with fourfilled trays 9 therein (i.e., upon completed transfer of such cage froma hook l-IGL or HGV), the motor 33 is started to move the crank drive 32downwardly and to place the platform 37 adjacent to the station 39z ofthe respective tray loading machine CC or to the station 39p of therespective magazine filling machine MM. The pusher 38 is then operatedto transfer empty trays from the cage 7 into the station 3% or totransfer filled trays 9 from the cage 7 into the station 39p.

The crank drive 32 can actuate a signal generating switch 44 whichtransmits to the computer RA a signal by way of the respective one ofconductor means MZl-MZ6 or MP1-MP4 to indicate the fact that the crankarm 36 has completed a revolution and has moved the platform 37 alongthe endless path 43, i.e., to indicate that the platform 37 in atransfer unit SZ has transferred a cage 7 with four filled trays 9 ontoan oncoming hook HL or that such platform has received from an oncominghook HGL a cage 7 with four empty trays, or to indicate that theplatform 37 in a transfer unit SP has transferred a cage 7 with fourempty trays onto an oncoming unoccupied hook HL or that such platformhas received a cage 7 with four filled trays 9 from an oncoming hookHGV.

FIGS. a, 5b and 6 illustrate the details of that portion of the computerRA which contains the elements for controlling the activation oftransfer units SPl-SP4 in the consuming assembly PA. The computer RAcomprises a discrete register unit R1, R2, R3 R150 for each of the hooksH. The register units Rl-Rl50 are connected with each other to form acomplete chain not unlike a ring counter.

The construction of one of the register units R is shown in FIG. 6. Thisregister unit comprises seven sections r1, r2, r3, r4, r5, r6, r7. Thefirst section r1 contains information pertaining to the address A of theregister unit; the second section r2 contains information pertaining tothe number k of the corresponding hook H', the third section r3 storesinformation pertaining to the condition of the respective hook H (i.e.,x represents an unoccupied hook H1, y represents an occupied hook HGLwhich carries a cage 7 with four empty trays, and z represents anoccupied hook HGV which carries a cage 7 with four filled trays 9); thefourth section r4 contains information yl or 1:1 pertain- 'ing to afirst intended condition whereby yl denotes a hook HGL and x1 denotes ahook HL; the fifth section r5 contains information representing thenumber spl (1 4) of that one of the transfer units SPl-SP4 which isassociated with the first intended condition; the sixth section r6contains information y2 pertaining to a second intended condition(denoting a hook HGV); and the seventh section r7 contains informationpertaining to the number sp2 (l 4) of that one of the transfer unitsSPl-SP4 which is associated with the second intended condition. The justdiscussed information is preferably stored in the respective sectionsrl-r7 in digital form. Such information can be transported from thesections rl-r7 of the illustrated register unit R into the correspondingsections rl-r7 of the next-following register unit with the aid ofpulses furnished by conductor means TLP in synchronism with movements ofhooks H along the endless path defined by the conveyor KFA. The pulsesare furnished by a source TG (FIG. 5a) which comprises a timer disk TSreceiving motion from the drive for the chain 4 of the conveyor KFA anda pulse generating element JS which generates a pulse whenever a hookI-I covers a distance equaling that between two neighboring hooks. Theelement JS can constitute an electromagnet which generates a pulsewhenever it is bypassed by one of several (e.g., four) magnets on theperiphery of the timer disk TS. It will be seen that the chain formed bythe I50 register units Rl-R150 is a replica of the endless path definedby the conveyor KFA.

The reference character ALP denotes in FIGS. 5a and 6 a group ofconductors which are connected with the sections r3-r7 of the registerunits R for transmission of interrogating signals. An interrogatingsignal which is transmitted by conductors ALP effects that theinformation stored in the sections r3-r7 of the register units R istransmitted by way of conductors LPr3, LPr4, LPr5,LPr6, LPr7. Thecharacter ELP denotes a group of conductors which are connected to thesections r3r7 of the register units R in order to change the nature ofinformation which is stored therein.

The information which is stored in the sections of a register unit Rmust be change or updated upon completed transfer of a cage 7 with emptytrays to a hook H or upon completion of transfer of a cage 7 with filledtrays 9 from-a hook H to the platform 37 of the circuit SWP are furtherconnected with the inputs a of four corrective or updating circuitsKRPl, KRPZ, KRP3, KRP4. The purpose of signals from the outputs c of thecircuits KRPl-KRP4 is to shift information in the associated registerunits R15, R9, R5, R1 in response to signals from the respective outputsa to d of the central control circuit SWP in the following way: Theinformation which is stored in the sections r3-r7 of the register unitsR15, R9, R5, R1 is transmitted to the respective corrective circuitsKRPl-KRP4 by way of the inputs b of the circuits KRPl-KRP4. Theinformation stored in the section r4 is shifted into the section r3 (seethe arrow u43 in FIG. 6); and the information which is stored in thesection r6 is shifted into the section r4 (see the arrow u64 in FIG. 6);and the information which is stored in the section r7 is shifted intothe section r (see the arrow u75 in FIG. 6). When such shifting ofinformation is completed, the outputs c of the circuits KRP1-KRP4transmit fresh information to the sections r3, r4, r5 of thecorresponding register units R15, R9, R5, R1.

FIG. 5b further shows four interrogating or monitoring circuits FPl,FPZ, FP3, FP4 having outputs c which are connected with the activatingdevices (AND-gates) APl, AP2, AP3, AP4 by way of conductor means LPl,

LP2, LP3, LP4 (see also FIG. 1). As explained before, the activatingdevices AP1-AP4 transmit signals to the control elements KPl-KP4 of therespective transfer units SPl-SP4 in the consuming assembly PA. Theinterrogating circuits FPl-FP4 seek information which is stored in thesections r5 of the register units R15, R9, R5, R1. These interrogatingor monitoring circuits FPl-FP4 transmit output signals whenever theydetect the number of the respective transfer unit.

That portion of the computer RA which detects deviations of distributionof hooks HL, I-IGL and I-IGV from a desirable distribution in thatportion of the endless path defined by the conveyor KFA which extendsupstreamto the transfer stations SANl-SAN4 comprises the followingcomponents:

FIG. 5b shows a circuit SPA which has an input a receiving signals fromthe output e of the central control circuit SWP and serves toperiodically scan the information stored in signal storing circuitsBSPl, BSP2, BSP3, BSP4, always in response to a signal at its output a.The signal storing circuits BSP1-BSP4 store information pertaining tothe needs of the transfer units SPl-SP4 in the consuming assembly PA.The information which is furnished to the scanning circuit SPA by theoutputs of the storing devices BSPl-BSP4 is transmitted to the input fof the central control circuit SWP by the output b of the circuit SPA.The signal storing circuits BSP l-BSP4 receive information from theswitches 42 (FIG. 4) of the transfer units SP1-SP4. A range selectorcircuit BWP (FIG. 5b) has an input a connected with the output g of thecentral control circuit SWP and an output b which transmits signals tothe conductors ALP and to the input a of a counter ZPi. When the rangeselector circuit BWP is energized, it initiates the following sequenceof operations:

It is assumed that the switch 42 of one of the transfer units SPl-SP4has transmitted a signal to the respective signal storing circuitBSPl-BSP4. The circuit SPA detects the signal on reception of a signalat its input a and causes the circuits SWP to transmit a signal to therange selector circuit BWP. The latter transmits interrogating signalsseriatim to the register units which happen to be located in theportions b1, b2, b3, b4, b5, b6 of the endless path defined by theconveyor KFA and the sections r3-r7 of such register units transmitinformation to the conductors'LPr3-LPr7. The interrogating signals fromthe range selector circuit BWP are transmitted by way of interrogatingconductor means ALP. In the illustrated embodiment, a selected portionb1, b2, b3, b4, b5, or b6 of the endless path embraces nine registerunits and it will be noted (see the upper parts of FIGS. 5a and 5b) thatthe portions b1-b6 partially overlap each other. The first portion b1begins at the register unit R5 which is associated with the transferunit SP3 and embraces the register units RS-Rl3; the portion b2 embracesthe register units R9-Rl7; and the portions b3, b4, b5, b6 respectivelyembrace the register units R13-R21, R17-R25, Rue-R29, R25-R33. The sixportions b1-b6 of the endless path defined by the conveyor KFA togetherform a so-called regulating or monitoring zone zbm. In this zone, thecomputer RA controls the distribution of hooks I-IL,- HGL, HGV so as toinsure a desirable distribution of all three types of hooks, i.e., toprevent undesirable prevalence of one or two types of hooks over theremaining type or types. The zone zbm is long enough to insure that ahook HL, HGL or I-IGV at one end of such zone (e.g., at the registerunit R33) can reach in time that transfer unit SP which has signaled theneed for a particular hook (e.g., the transfer unit SP3). For example,the switch 42 of the transfer unit SP3 might have transmitted a signalindicating the need for a hook I-IL for deliverythereto of a cage 7 withfour empty trays (whereby the hook BL is converted into a hook I-IGL)and the need for a hook HGV with a cage 7 containing four filled trays 9(whereby the hook HGV is converted into an unoccupied hook IIL). If thehook which is associated with the register unit R33 is an unoccupiedhook HL, there is still enough time for such empty hook I-IL to reachthe transfer unit SP3 without necessitating a stoppage of thecorresponding composite consuming machine PE3. This is due to thepresence of stations 39p and 41p (FIG. 4) which are provided for eachmagazine filling machine MM and can accommodate certain numbers offilled trays 9 (stations 39p) and empty trays (stations 41p) to thusinsure undistributed operation of the composite consuming machine PE3 aslong as an unoccupied hook I-IL happens to be located in the zone zbm.

During transport of an unoccupied hook I-IL (whose address is recordedin the register unit R33) to the transfer unit SP3 (the duration of suchtransport equals the duration of transport of information from thesections of the register unit R33 to the sections of the register unitR5), the packing machine PM3 would receive filter cigarettes 8 fromfilled trays 9 in the station 39p of the respective magazine fillingmachine MM3. At the same time, the station 41p of thefilling machine MM3receives those empty trays whose contents were' transferred into themagazine of the packing machine PM3 during transport of an unoccupiedhook I-IL toward the transfer unit SP3.

In the absence of satisfactory distribution of books HL, I-IGL, l-IGV inthe zone zbm, it could happen that the delivery of a required hook(e.g., an unoccupied hook I-IL) to the transfer unit SP3 would bedelayed to such an extent that the station 41p of the filling machineMM3 would be without filled trays 9 and that the packing machine PMSwould have to be arrested due to exhaustion of the supply of filtercigarettes 8 in its magazine.

The programming of the range selector circuit BWP is such that itsoutput b first transmits interrogating signals to the register unitsR5-R13 in the first portion bl, thereupon to the register units R9-Rl7in the second portion b2 and so on to finally transmit interrogatingsignals to the register units R25-R33 in the portion b6.

'FIG. 5a shows a switchover circuit RAP having an input a serving toreceiving signals from the output in of the central control circuit SWP.The circuit RAP connects cyclically the sections r6, r4, r3 of thescanned register units R with the inputs a of decoding circuits DPx,DPy, DPz in response to each interrogating signal from the rangeselector circuit BWP in such a way that the circuits DPx, DPy, DPz areconnected first with the section r6, thereupon with thesection r4 andfinally with the section r3. A transfer of information or of a signalindicating the absence of information from the section r6 into thesection r4 (arrow u64) takes place only if the section r6 does notcontain any information; a transfer of information from section r4 tosection r3 (arrow u43) takes place only if the section r4 does notcontain any information. The output b of the decoding circuit DPx, DPyor DPz transmits a signal when the scanned section respectively containsthe information at (resp. x1) or y (resp.y1) or y2 (resp. z). Theoutputs b of the decoding circuits DPx, DPy, DPz are connected with theinputs a of counters Zx, Zy, Zz and the outputs b of these counters areconnected with two differential circuits Dzy and Dzx in the followingway: The output b of the counter Zx is connected with the input a of thecircuit Dzy and with the input b of the circuit Dzx; the output b of thecounter Zy is connected with the input b of the circuit Dzy; and theoutput b of the counter 22 is connected with the input a of the circuitDzx. The input a of the differential circuit Dxy (and the input b of thedifferential circuit Dzx) thus receives a signal which is indicative ofthe sum sx of unoccupied hooks I-IL (information x in the section r3)within a scanned portion b of the endless path. The input b of thecircuit Dxy receives a signal which is indicative of the sum sy of hooksI-IGL (information y in the section r3) in the scanned portion b, andthe input a of the circuit Dzx receives a signal which represents thesum sz of hooks HGV (information z in the section r3) in the scannedportion b.

The circuit Dxy furnishes at its output d a signal which represents thedifference between sx and sy, and the output d of the circuit Dzxfurnishes a signal which represents the difference between sz and sx.The outputs d of the differential circuits Dxy and Dzx transmit suchsignals in response to reception of signals at their inputs 0; suchsignals to the inputs 0 are transmitted from the output b of the counterZPi. The counter ZPi is set for a number i which corresponds to thenumber of register units R in a portion b of the zone zbm. In theillustrated embodiment, i equals nine. The output b of the counter ZPitransmits to the inputs c of the differential circuits Dxy and Dzx asignal in response to completed counting of nine register units R in theportion bl, b2, b3, b4, b5 or b6. The output c of the counter ZPitransmits a signal to the input a of a further counter ZPb which is setto produce a signal (at the output b) in response to reception of bsignals from the counter ZPi whereby b equals the combined number ofportions bl-b6, i.e., six.

The outputs d of the differential circuits Dxy and Dzx are respectivelyconnected with the inputs a of switchover circuits Uxy and Uzx. Asmentioned before, the signals at the outputs d of the circuits Dxy andDzx respectively indicate the differences between the numbers of hooksI-IL, HGL, I-IGV counted by the counters Zy, Zx and Zz, Zx. The circuitsUxy and Uzx transmit signals in response to reception of signals fromthe output b of the counter ZPi. Each of the circuits Uxy, Uzx has sixoutputs c, d, e,f, g, h (only the outputs c, d and h are shown in FIG.5b) and the outputs ch of the circuit Uxy transmit signals seriatim tothe inputs a of signal storing'circuits Xxyl, Sxy2, Sxy3, Sxy4, Sxy5,Sxy6 of which only three are shown in FIG. 5b. The outputs c-h of thecircuit Uzx' transmit signals seriatim to the inputs a of signal storingcircuits Szxl, Szx2, Szx3, Szx4, SzxS, Szx6 (only three shown in FIG.5b). The outputs b of the signal storing circuits Sxyl-Sxy6 andSzxl-Szx6 respectively transmit signals to discrete inputs a of signalcomparing circuits CPxy and CPzx. The transfer of information fromsignal storing circuits Sxyl-Sxy6 and Szxl-Szx6 into the signalcomparing circuits CPxy and CPzx takes place in response to signalswhich are transmitted by the output b of the counter ZPb to the inputs bof the circuits CPxy and CPzx. The circuits CPxy and CPzx determine thatmaximum-intensity signal (among those furnished by the signal storingcircuit Sxy and Szx) which is indicative of a certain number or ratio ofhooks HL, I-IGL, HGV in the scanned portions bl-b6, and their outputs ctransmit appropriate signals to the inputs 1 and k of the centralcontrol circuit SWP. The signals to inputs i and k indicate thesatisfactory path portions for transfer of cages 7 with empty trays ontothe hooks HL of the conveyor KFA and for removal of cages 7 with filledtrays 9 from the hooks I-IG of the conveyor.

The arrangement which pinpoints a satisfactory or required hook within aselected portion b1, b2, b3, b4, b5 or b6 comprises the followingcomponents:

FIG. 5a shows two signal comparing circuits VP4 and VP6. The input a ofthe circuit VP6 is connected with the output a of a zero signalindicator circuit NP and the input b of the circuit VP6 is connectedwith the output c of the switchover circuit RAP which is a selectorcircuit for the sections of register units R. The circuit RAP receivesinformation from sections r6 of selected register units R. The output 0of the signal comparing circuit VP6 is connected with the input I of thecentral control circuit SWP; this output c emits a signal when acomparison of signals at the inputs a and b of the circuit VP6 indicatesthat the signal at the input b is zero. The output d of the circuit VP6is connected with the input c of the range selector circuit BWP; inresponse to reception of a signal at its input 0, the output b of thecircuit BWP transmits a signal by way of the interrogating conductormeans ALP to thus initiate the scanning of information stored in aregister unit R, namely, in that register unit which is adjacent to aregister unit detected by the central control circuit SWP in response tosignals from the signal comparing circuits CPxy and CPzx. The circuitsCPxy and CPzx transmit signals which indicate the optimum portion(s) bl,b2, b3, b4, b and/or b6 for a particular type of hooks. For example, thecircuit SWP may indicate that the desired hook is located in the firstthird of a selected portion b.

The signal comparing circuit VP4 has an input a which is connected withthe output a of the zero signal indicator circuit NP, an input bconnected with the output d of the switchover circuit RAP, and output cwhich is connected with the input m of the central control circuit SWP,and an output d connected with the input v of the central controlcircuit. The input'b of the circuit VP4 receives signals indicating thenature of informa- A tion contained in the section r5 of a register unitR which is selected by the central control circuit SWP. The signal atthe output c of the circuit VP4 appears when a comparison of signals atthe inputs a and b indicates that the signal at the input b is zero. Thesignal at the output d of the circuit VP4 indicates that the signal atthe input b is not a zero signal.

The output w of the central control circuit SWP is connected with theinput a of a further signal comparing circuit VPS having an input bwhich is connected with the conductor LPrS by way of a gate circuit TPS.The input a of the gate circuit TPS is connected with the output n ofthe central control circuit SWP to receive signals which cause thecircuit TPS to either transmit or block signals to the input b ofthesignal comparing circuit VPS. The latter circuit determines whetheror not the number of the transfer unit SP (e.g., the number three in thecase of the transfer unit SP3) is smaller or greater than the number splin the section r5 of a register unit R which was selected by the centralcontrol circuit SWP in response to a signal from the signal comparingcircuit CPxy or CPzx. If the transfer unit number is smaller than thenumber spl, the transfer unit SP which has transmitted a signalindicating the need for a particular type of hook is located ahead ofthe transfer unit (SP1) whose number (spl) is stored in the respectivesection r5, as considered in the direction of transport of the hooks.The output d of the circuit VPS then transmits a signal to the input cof the range selector circuit BWP which sends an interrogat' ing signalto the next-following register unit R. If the number (three) of thetransfer unit SP3 is greater than the number (spl) in the section r5 ofthe selected register unit R, the output 0 of the circuit VPS transmitsa signal to the input a of a gate circuit TP6 which has a second input bconnected with the conductor LPr4 and an output 0 connected with theinput bl of a signal comparing circuit VP3. The input b2 of the circuitVP3 receives signals from the output e of the switchover circuit RAP;such signals are indicative of information stored in the section r3 ofthe register unit R selected by the central control circuit SWP. If theinput bl of the circuit VP3 receives a signal indicating the nature ofinformation in section r4, the signal at bl prevails over the signal atb2. Otherwise, the signal at the input b2 is effective in the followingway: The input a of the circuit VP3 is connected with the output 0 ofthe central control circuit SWP to receive signals indicating the natureof requirements of the transfer unit which signals the need for a hook(i.e., the information x or z BSP4 and proceeds toward the-circuit BSPl.The outstored in the section r3 of the selected register unit R). If thecircuit VP3 detects that the signals at its inputs a and bl or a and b2are not identical, the output d transmits a signal to the input c of therange selector circuit BWP. However, if there is an identity of signalsat the inputs a and b1 or a and b2 of the circuit VP3, the output 0 ofthis circuit transmits a signal to the input p of the central controlcircuit SWP; the output q of the circuit SWP then transmits a signal tothe conductor means ELP which records the number of the signalingtransfer unit SP3 in the section r5 of the selected register unit R. Thecircuit SWP further causes entry of the information yl or x1 in thesection r4 of such register unit (when the input b2 of the circuit VP3receives a signal). The circuit SWP further enters the number of thesignaling transfer unit SP in the section r7 and the information y2 inthe section r6 if the input bl of the circuit VP3 receives a signal. Theinputs r, s, t and u of the central control circuit SWP are connectedwith the switches 44 of transfer units SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 by way ofconductor means MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4.

The operation of the apparatus will be described with reference tofunctions which are performed by the computer RA in connection with theregulation of activation of a transfer unit SP wherein the platform 37supports a cage 7 with four empty trays for .transfer onto an unoccupiedhook HL and which must deliver a cage 7 with four filled trays 9 to thestation 39p of the corresponding magazine filling machine MM.

It is assumed that the switch 42 of the transfer unit SP3 hastransmitted a signal by way of the conductor means BPS and that suchsignal has been received by the signal storing device BSP3 of FIG. 5b.The crank drive 32 of the transfer unit SP3 dwells in its upper endposition adjacent to the path of hooks H on the conveyor KFA and theplatform 37 on the arm 36 of such crank drive supports a cage 7 withfour empty trays therein. The crank drive 32 cannot transfer the cage 7with four empty trays onto the first oncoming unoccupied hook l-lL; itmust await a signal which is transmitted from the computer RA by way ofthe conductor means LP3. The computer RA selects the unoccupied hook HLwith a view to prevent undue accumulation of unoccupied hooks l-lL,occupied hooks HGL and/or occupied hooks HGV in certain portions of theendless path. Such accumulationsnecessarily entail undesirable absenceor scarcity of hooks HL, HGL or HGV in other portion or portions ofthepath.

The circuit SPA serves to scan the signal storing devices BSPl-BSP4 inresponse to periodically transmitted signals fromthe output e of thecentral control circuit SWP. The scanning takes place counter to thedirection of transport of information from're'gister unit to registerunit, i.e,, it begins at the signal storing circuit put b of thescanning circuit SPA then transmits to the input f of the circuit SWP asignal indicating that the transfer unit SP3 is in need of an unoccupiedhook HL for transfer of the cage 7 with four empty trays and of anunoccupied hook HGV with a cage 7 containing four filled trays 9. i

The output 3 of the central control circuit SWP then transmits a signalwhich initiates a search for such portions of the endless path which arebest suited for transfer of a cage 7 with empty trays onto an unoccupiedhook HL and for removal of a cage 7 with four filled trays 9 onto theplatform 37 of the transfer unit SP3 without undesirably affecting thedistribution of all types of hooks in such portion or portions. Thesearching or monitoring operation for an unoccupied hook HL is carriedout with a view to avoid unbalanced distribution of hooks HL and alsowith a view to avoid unbalanced distribution of hooks HGL since anunoccupied hook HL which receives from the transfer unit SP3 a cage 7with four empty trays is thereby converted into an unoccupied hookl-lGL. In other words, the computer RA must prevent undesirableconcentrations and undesirable scarcity of hooks HL and mustsimultaneously prevent uneven distribution of hooks HGL. Thus, thesearch for an unoccupied hook l-lL involves a search for a hook HL whichis sufficiently close to the transfer unit SP3 and the conversion ofwhich into-a hook HGL will not unduly affect the distribution of hooksl-lGL along the endless path. Furthermore, the search must be carriedout with a view to avoid undue scarcity of hooks HGV in one or moreportions of the path since a hook HGV from which the platform 37 of thetransfer unit SP3 receives a cage 7 with four filled trays 9 will beconverted into an unoccupied hook HL with attendant reduction in thenumber of hooks HGV in the corresponding portion of the path and withattendant increase in the number of unoccupied hooks-HI. in suchportion.

The output 3 of the central control circuit SWP transmits a signal tothe input a of the range selector circuit BWP whereby the output b ofthe circuit BWP transmits an interrogating signal by way of conductormeans ALP to the first register unit R in the portion bl of the zonezbm. The information which is stored in the section r6 or r4 or r3 ofthe register unit R5 (whichever of these sections contains information)is then transmitted to the corresponding input of the switchover circuitRAP and to the inputs a of the decoding'circuits DPx, DPy, DPz. Theoutput b of the circuit DPx transmits a signal to the input a of thecounter Zx if the signal to the input a of the circuit DPx is indicativeof the presence of information in the section r3 or r4 of the registerunit R5 (namely, the information x or x1). The output b of the decodingcircuit DPy transmits to the input a of the counter Zy a signal when thesignal transmitted thereto by the switchover circuit RAP is indicativeof the presence of information y or yl (sections r3 and r4 of theregister unit R5). The output b of the decoding circuit DPz transmits tothe input a of the counter Z: a signal when it receives from theswitchover circuit RAP a signal indicating the presence of information zin the section r3 of the register unit R5.

Upon completion of the just described operations, the input a of therange selector circuit BWP receives a signal from the central controlcircuit SWP to transmit a signal at its output b. Such signal istransmitted to the next-following register unit R6 via conductor meansALP. The information stored in the section r6 or r4 or r3 of theregister unit R6 is transmitted to the switchover circuit RAP andthereupon to the decoding circuits DPx, DPy, DPz and counters Zx, Zy, Zzin the same way as described above. The input a of the range selectorcircuit BWP receives from the central control circuit SWP a successionof signals each of which results in transmission of information to thecounters Zx, Zy, Zz in response to scanning of sections r6, r4, r3 insuccessive register units R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13 in the firstportion bl of the zone zbm. Upon completion of such scanning cycle, thecounters Zx, Zy, Zz contain information which indicates the frequency ofinformation I (inclusive of x1), the frequency of information y(inclusive of yl and 2) and the frequency of information 1, in thesections of the register units R5-R13. When the scanning of informationin the last register unit R13 of the portion bl is completed, the outputb of the counter ZPi transmits a signal to the inputs c of thedifferential circuits Dxy, Dzx so that the circuit Dxy furnishes asignal which is indicative of the difference between sx and sy whereasthe circuit Dzx furnishes a signal which is indicative of the differencebetween sz and sx. The counter ZPi further transmits a signal to theinputs a of the switchover circuits Uxy and Uzx so that the signalsfurnished to the circuits Uxy and Uzx by the outputs d of the circuitsDxy and Dzx are transmitted to the inputs a of the signal storingcircuits Xxyl and Szxl.

The central control circuit SWP then starts the next cycle which resultsin scanning of sections r6, r4, r3, in the register units R9-Rl7 locatedin the portion b2 of the zone zbm. The information isstored first in thecounters Zx, Zy, Zz and these counters transmit information to thedifferential circuits Dxy, Du which in turn transmit information to theswitchover circuits Uxy, Uzx in response to a signal from the output bof the counter ZPi upon completed scanning of the last register unitR17. The information is stored in the circuits Sxy2 and Szx2. The thirdcycle involves the scanning of sections in register units Rl3-R21, thefourth cycle the scanning of sections in register units Rl7-R25 and thelast or sixth cycle the scanning of sections in register units R25-R33.The corresponding information is stored in the circuits Sxy3, Szx3 (notshown) Sxy6, Szx6.

The output b of the counter ZPb then transmits a signal to the inputs bof the signal comparing circuits CPxy and CPzx whose inputs a receivethe information from signal storing circuits Sxyl-Sxy6 and Szxl-Szx6.The circuits CPxy and CPzx determine those portions of the zone zbmwherein the differences between various types of hooks are the greatestand their outputs c transmit corresponding signals to the inputs i and kof the central control circuit SWP. This completes the search for theoptimum portions of the endless path for transfer of a cage 7 with fourempty trays to an unoccupied hook HL and for reception of a cage 7 withfour filled trays 9 from an occupied hook HGV.

In the just described example, the zone zbm for the scanning of registerunits RS-R33 for the presence of an unoccupied hook HL coincides, forthe sake of simplicity, with the zone of search for an occupied hookHGV. This is not necessarily the optimum procedure since the search foran appropriate occupied hook HGV can begin only upon completed detectionof a satisfactory unoccupied hook HL which is to receive the cage 7 withfour empty trays from the transfer unit SP3 and after completed transferof such cage onto the selected unoccupied hook to convert the latterinto an.

occupied hook HGL. The scanning zone for the appropriate occupied hookl-IGV is preferably shifted upstream of the zone zbm, as considered inthe direction of transport of hooks HL, HGL and HGV (arrows PFl andPF2in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the zonewhich is scanned for the presenceof an appropriate occupied hook HGV can be longer than the zone zbm byextending upstream beyond the portion b1. i

Once the detection of the optimum portions of zone zbm for unoccupiedhooks HL and occupied hooks HGV is completed, the apparatus must beginthe search for an unoccupied hook HL within the detected optimum portionof the zone zbm. Such search for a hook BL is carried out as follows:

The output g of the central control circuit SWP transmits a signal tothe input a of the range selector circuit BWP so that the latters outputb transmits an interrogating signal by way of conductor means ALP to aselected register unit located in the optimum portion b1, b2, b3, b4, b5or b6 of the zone zbm as determined by the signal circuit CPxy. Suchselected register unit is preferably located in the first third of theoptimum portion of the zone zbm. The signal appearing at the output c ofthe switchover circuit RAP (such signal is indicative of the nature ofinformation stored in the section r6 of the selected register unit inthe optimum portion of the zone zbm) is transmitted to the input b ofthe signal comparing circuit VP6 whose input a receives a signal fromthe zero signal indicator circuit NP. If the circuit VP6 detects thatthe section r6 of the selected register unit did contain information,its output d transmits a signal to the input c of the range selectorcircuit BWP whereby the latters output 0 transmits an interrogatingsignal to the register unit R which is adjacent to the selected registerunit in the optimum portion of the zone zbm.

if the section r6 of the selected register unit does not contain anyinformation, the output 0 of the signal com.-

paring circuit VP6 transmits a signal to the-input I ofthe centralcontrol circuit SWP.

The signal comparing circuit VP4 thereupon determines whether or not thesection r4 of the selected register unit contains any information. lnthe absence of information, the output c of the circuit VP4 transmits asignal to the input m of the central control circuit SWP.

- situations:

If the section r4 contains information, the output d of the circuit VP4transmits a signal to the input v of the central control circuit SWP.The output w of the circuit SWP transmits to the input a of the signalcomparing circuit VPS a signal which is indicative of the number (three)of the transfer unit (SP3) which is in need of an unoccupied hook HL.The input b of the circuit VPS receives from the conductor LPrS a signalrepresenting the number (spl) of the transfer unit which is recorded inthe section r5 of the scanned register unit R. Such signal istransmitted by the gate circuit TPS because the latters inputa receivesa signal from the output n of the circuit SWP. If the circuit VPSdetermines that the number (three) of the transfer unit SP3 is smallerthan the number (spl) which is stored in the section r5, the output d ofthe circuit VPS transmits a signal to the input c of the range selectorcircuit BWP so that the latters output b transmits an interrogatingsignal to the register unit which is adjacent to the previously scannedregister unit in the same portion (b) of the zone zbm. If the circuitVP5 detects that the number of the transfer stored in the section r4 ofthe scanned register unit.

The input b2 of the circuit VP3 receives a signal which is indicative ofinformation stored in the section r3, and the input a of the circuit VP3receives from the output 0 of the central control circuit SWP a signalwhich is indicative of the information x. In the first stage of itsoperation, the circuit VP3 determines whether the signal at its input blcorresponds to the signal at the input a; if such is the case, theoutput c of the circuit VP3 transmits a signal to the input p of thecentral control circuit SWP. If the signals at the inputs b1 and a ofthe circuit VP3 are different, the output d of the circuit VP3 transmitsasignal to the input 0 of the range selector circuit BWP. If the sectionr4 of the scanned register unit is devoid of information, the circuitVP3 determines whether the signal at its input b2 corresponds to thesignal at the input a; if such as the case, the output 0 of the circuitVP3 transmits a signal to the input p of the central control circuitSWP. If the signals at the inputs a and b2 of the circuit VP3 aredifferent, the output d of the circuit VP3 transmits a signal to theinput 0 of the range selector circuit BWP whereby the output d of thecircuit BWP transmits an interrogating signal to the next-followingregister unit. Thus, the output b of the range selector circuit BWPtransmits to the next-following register unit signals in the followinga. if the section r6 of the scanned register unit R containsinformation;

b. if the section r4 of the scanned register unit R contains informationand if the number (spl) stored in the section r5 of such register unitis greater than the number of the transfer unit (SP3) which has reportedthe need for a hook HL;

c. if the signal at the input b1 or b2 of the signal comparing circuitVP3 deviates from the signal at the input a, i.e., if the characteristic(unoccupied, occupied with a cage containing empty trays or occupiedwith a cage containing filled trays) of the hook H associated with thecorresponding register unit R is not the characteristic expected fromthat hook (HL) which is to accept a cage 7 with four empty trays fromthe platform 37 in the crank drive 32 of the transfer unit SP3.

If one of the just enumerated situations (a), (b), '(c) arises, thesearch for a hook BL is continued in that portion of the zone zbm whichcontains an optimum distribution of hooks for'conversion of anunoccupied hook HL into an occupied hook HGL. The search is terminatedwhen the computer detects a hook with the desirable characteristic. Thecentral control circuit SWP then transmits a signal by way of its outputqand such signal is conveyed by way of conductorrneans ELP which recordsthe number of the transfer unit SP3 in the scanned register unit R. Theentry takes place in the sections r7 and r6 if the sections r4 and r3already contain information, or in the sections rd and r3 if the

1. Apparatus for regulating the distribution of smokers'' products orother commodities, comprising conveyor means defining an endless path;at least one first transfer unit adjacent to said path and activatableto deliver commodities to said conveyor means; at least one secondtransfer unit adjacent to said path and activatable to receivecommodities from said conveyor means; signal generating means actuatableby said transfer units to produce signals which respectively indicatethe need for delivery of commodities from said first transfer unit tosaid conveyor means and the need for reception of commodities by saidsecond transfer unit; and computer means having means for scanning saidconveyor means in response to said first signals to monitor thedistribution of commodities in various portions of said conveyor meansand to detect portions with relatively high and relatively lowconcentrations of commodities, and means for activating said first andsecond transfer units when such transfer units are respectivelyapproached by conveyor portions with relatively low and relatively highconcentrations of commodities to thus prevent excessive concentrationsand excessive scarcity of commodities in such portions.
 2. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein said transfer units are provided with secondsignal generating means arranged to transmit to said computer meanssecond signals in response to each completed delivery of commodities bysaid first transfer unit and in response to each reception ofcommodities by said second transfer unit.
 3. Apparatus as defined inclaim 1, wherein said scanning means of said computer means includescircuit means having input means for reception of said signals andoutput means for transmission of signals to said activating means. 4.Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprisescarrier means travelling along said path and arranged to respectivelyreceive commodities from said first transfer unit and delivercommodities to said second transfer unit.
 5. Apparatus as defined inclaim 1, wherein said commodities comprise filled containers which aredelivered to said conveyor means by said first transfer unit and areaccepted from said conveyor means by said second transfer unit inresponse to activation of the respective transfer units.
 6. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein said commodities include empty containerswhich are delivered to said conveyor means by said first transfer unitand are accepted from said conveyor means by said second transfer unitin response to activation of the respective transfer units.
 7. Apparatusas defined in claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises a pluralityof substantially equidistant carriers arranged to travel along said pathand to transport said commodities, said commodities including filledcontainers and empty containers and said first transfer unit havingmeans for delivering filled containers to said carriers and foraccepting empty containers from said carriers, said second transfer unithaving means for accepting filled containers from said carriers and fordelivering empty containers to said carriers.
 8. Apparatus as defined inclaim 7, wherein said carriers include unoccupied carriers, firstoccupied carriers supporting empty containers and second occupiedcarriers supporting filled containers, said scanning means beingarranged to monitor the distribution of unoccupied, first occupied andsecond occupied carriers in said portions of said conveyor means. 9.Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises aplurality of substantially equidistant carriers travelling along saidpath, said carriers including unoccupied carriers, first occupiedcarriers supporting first types of commodities and second occupiedcarriers supporting second types of commodities, said first and secondtransfer units being respectively located at spaced first and secondtransfer stations and said first transfer unit being activatable todeliver said first type of commodities to an oncoming unoccupied carrierin a first step and to accept said second type of commodities from anoncoming second occupied carrier, said second transfer unit beingactivatable to accept said first type of commodities from an oncomingfirst occupied carrier in a first step and to deliver a second type ofcommodities to an oncoming unoccupied carrier.
 10. Apparatus as definedin claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises carriers travellingalong said path and said commodities include containers and cages forsuch containers, said cages and said carriers having cooperatingcoupling means for separably connecting the cages to the carriers. 11.Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said commodities includecontainers and supplies of rod-shaped smokers'' products in suchcontainers.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said conveyormeans comprises a plurality of carriers arranged to travel along saidpath and including unoccupied carriers and at least one type of occupiedcarriers supporting said commodities, said scanning means being arrangedto monitor the distribution of said unoccupied and occupied carriers insaid portions of said conveyor means.
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim1, wherein said signal generating means comprises electric switches. 14.Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said portions of said conveyormeans are located upstream of those portions of said path which areadjacent to said first and second transfer units.
 15. Apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein said conveyor means comprises a plurality ofsubstantially equidistant carriers travelling along said path and saidfirst and second transfer units are respectively activatable to delivercommodities to and to accept commodities from oncoming carrierS, saidcarriers having control elements adjustable in response to reception orremoval of commodities from the respective carriers to thus indicate thecondition of such carriers.
 16. Apparatus as defined in claim 15,further comprising detector means for monitoring the condition of saidcarriers independently of said scanning means.
 17. Apparatus as definedin claim 15, wherein each of said activating means forms part of acontrol unit which further comprises means for transmitting to saidcomputer means signals in response to engagement with said controlelements.